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Egyptian Red Sea And Nile Cruise Tour

The best of both worlds; we explore the Nile Valley by riverboat, visit the fabled treasures and sites of Luxor and Aswan and relax on the Red Sea coast. Here we unwind and enjoy the unique beauty of the coral reefs and azure waters and finally revisit the treasures of Cairo.

Tour Highlights

Cairo - Marvel at the majestic Pyramids and Sphinx, then tour the Egyptian Museum

Luxor - Take a horse drawn 'calesh' to Karnak Temple; explore the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple

Itinerary

1

Join tour Cairo

Arrive at Cairo and check-in at the hotel. Cairo is a vibrant, exhilarating, exotic, fascinating and welcoming city. Home to the best Pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic sites in Egypt,
this city is where you never know what incredible, half-forgotten monument you might stumble across while wandering around. If you arrive early, you may wish to
catch your first glimpse of the mighty Nile River, visit the capital's medieval markets at Khan El-Khalili or walk down the Nile promenade. There are also plenty of cinemas, theatres and modern shopping malls.

2

In Cairo; visit the Pyramids, Sphinx and Egyptian Museum

Africa's largest capital, Cairo, is situated mainly on the east bank of the Nile. Driving to Giza, we see the Pyramids and Sphinx; among the most impressive man-made spectacles in the world. The Great Pyramid of Cheops is the largest of the group (originally 145m high with a 232m square base). Second is the Pyramid of Chephren (136m high, width 210m). The complex includes the Sphinx, a crouching lion with a human head carved from solid rock and the splendid Granite Temple. After the Pyramids, we head for the Egyptian Museum, via a papyrus institute, where you can learn something of the ancient methods of paper making in the Egypt of the pharaohs. The museum itself is a spectacular repository of some 120,000 items encompassing all aspects of the world of the ancient Egyptians; from ornate jewellery and towering granite statues, to creepy mummified remains and, of course, the remarkable golden treasures of Tutankhamun himself. This evening we enjoy a traditional meal in a local restaurant.

3

Free day in Cairo; fly to Luxor

Today is a free day for optional trips to Saqqara, the impressive steppe pyramid/necropolis of Zozer (Djoser) - the earliest of the pyramids of Egypt and the recently opened Red and Bent Pyramids at Dashur. An optional trip to Islamic Cairo to visit the illustrious Citadel, one of Saladin's many strongholds during the Crusades period, is also available. There will also be the opportunity to enter one or more of the medieval mosques of Cairo. Alternatively you could use this free time to revisit the vast Egyptian museum. This evening we will have our flight to Luxor and transfer to the riverboat.

Overnight: Standard BoatSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner

4

Set sail from Luxor towards Aswan

This morning we have free time to explore a little of what Luxor has to offer before returning to the boat and setting sail around late morning. We sail upstream (south), heading towards Kom Ombo and spend the afternoon and evening soaking up the views of the Nile Valley as we sail past the small villages that scatter the river banks. This evening we will enjoy a cooking class on-board to learn how to make traditional Egyptian cuisine.

Overnight: Standard BoatSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5

Visit the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo; sail to Aswan

This morning we disembark to visit Edfu, the largest Egyptian temple after Karnak. The falcon-headed god Horus guards the temple dedicated to him which is in almost perfect condition. In fact the temple is unusual in that its roof has survived intact. We re-board our boat and continue upstream to Kom Ombo. Situated on the bank of the river, this temple is particularly unique because it is dedicated to two gods; Haroeris and Sobek, the crocodile god. It is thought that this part of the Nile used to have a large crocodile population, hence the dedication to Sobek. We continue to Aswan, arriving late tonight.

Overnight: Standard BoatSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6

Enjoy Aswan; optional Abu Simbel tour

Today we disembark our Boat and head for shore amongst the Nubians. Aswan is Egypt's most southerly city, traditionally regarded as the frontier post of Upper Egypt. Sited on the east bank, it stands just below the First Cataract and is the meeting point of Arab culture with Nubia and black Africa. Today we have the chance to travel by bus or air to the fabulous rock-hewn temple of Abu Simbel. Cut into the rock face, this enormous structure was raised 61m to save it from inundation by the artificial lake created by the Aswan High Dam. The 20m high statues represent Ramses II, known as the great builder. Alternatively, wander the streets of this fascinating city, where stalls laden with colourful spices line the streets.

Overnight: Standard BoatSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7

In Aswan; optional St Simeon's Monastery and Philae Temple visits

Today we will disembark the boat for the final time and check into our hotel overlooking the Nile. Today we have time to explore more of Aswan and the surrounding area. A popular optional excursion is the camel trek to the deserted coptic monastery of St. Simeon. One of the largest Coptic monasteries in Egypt, St Simeon's was built in the 7th century and finally abandoned in the 13th century. It now sits in splendid isolation at the end of a desert valley. Providing an impressive sight, the monastery appears more like a desert fortress than a place of worship. You may wish to take an excursion to Philae Temple, situated on a picturesque island in the Nile.

8

Drive to Luxor; visit Karnak Temple

This morning we drive to Luxor and check into the hotel. This afternoon we have included a visit by calesh (horse drawn carriage) to the stupendous Temple of Amun at Karnak, the labour of numerous pharaohs. Begun about 2000 BC, this vast temple was still being added to in Cleopatra's time (1st century BC).There may also be the option in the afternoon to visit Deir-el- Medina and Medinet Habu - relatively little visited sites and for many a real highlight of the tour. You could also enjoy an optional donkey trek on the west bank, through villages and fields, before watching the sun set over the Nile. In Luxor we will normally be accommodated on the west bank of the Nile, opposite the main city. There will be a motorboat available to transfer you across the river whenever you require.

Overnight: Standard HotelSwimming Pool AvailableSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast

9

Visit the Temple of Hatshepsut and Valley of the Kings; free time to explore

After breakfast we visit the extraordinary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's only female Pharaoh, who usurped the throne from her son, the future Tuthmoses III. The scale of the temple and its magnificent setting are breathtaking, but perhaps even more remarkable are the details - look out for the fine carving of the 'Expedition to the Land of Punt'. We then take a short bus ride to the Valley of the Kings to explore some of the more important sites made famous in 1922 by the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun by Howard Carter. We visit three tombs. The remainder of the day is left free for personal exploration in Luxor, during which you may like to take a calesh tour of local villages.

Overnight: Standard HotelSwimming Pool AvailableSingle Room Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast

10

Transfer to Safaga by road

Heading northeast we cross the mountainous region of the Eastern Desert, famed in antiquity for its gold mines and granite quarries, to reach Safaga, our base for exploring the wonders of the Red Sea. Staying at a comfortable hotel, the time spent here has been left free for you to choose a variety of optional excursions or simply unwind under the clear blue skies. During your stay in Safaga you will be looked after by an Explore local representative. Please note the following itinerary for days 11, 12 and 13 is a suggestion only and is subject to change. It is also worth noting that other optional excursions are available, details of which will be supplied by your Explore representative.

11

Optional snorkelling in the Red Sea

The Red Sea is famous for its superb coral reefs and multi-coloured fish. Living in such favourable conditions are schools of beautifully marked and iridescent species, alongside barracudas and small sharks. We will arrange an optional snorkelling trip by boat (6 to 8 hours) over the coral reefs around Safaga. Scuba diving is another possibility or simply laze on the beach or by the pool casting an occasional eye on the boats plying the Red Sea.

12

Free day in Safaga

Today we can try our hand at scuba diving (optional). This is a full day for divers of all levels. Those who have never dived before will spend the morning learning the basics in a pool before going for an afternoon dive. There are also refresher courses available for those who have not dived for over a year and there are advanced dives available for anyone holding a PADI or equivalent qualification. Please note that all training, instruction and accompanied dives are operated with fully qualified instructors. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy relaxing on the beaches.

13

Transfer to Cairo by road

This morning there is a chance for one last dip in the sea before boarding our bus for the drive back to Cairo (8-10 hour journey). Leaving Safaga we follow the long, arid coastal road north along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Suez. As we approach the Nile Valley the landscape changes, becoming more fertile and densely populated. Finally we arrive back in Cairo.

14

Free day in Cairo

A full day in Cairo to enjoy some of the sites of the capital not visited at the start of the tour. Among the options available is a visit to the wonderful mosques and the Citadel of Islamic Cairo and a chance to discover the markets of the world famous Khan el Khalili. Alternatively the impressive Step Pyramid complex of Saqqara is well worth a visit in conjunction with the Red and Bent Pyramids at Dashur.

15

Tour ends Cairo

Tour notes

Each departure date has it's own dedicated tour note, detailing all you need to know about that tour. Whether you've already booked, or weighing up your options, please choose carefully the relevant itinerary for you.

We have the following different versions of the Nile Cruise and the Red Sea tour available at present.